Increasing the frequency of physical activity very brief advice by nurses to cancer patients. A mixed methods feasibility study of a training intervention

•A training intervention designed using the Behaviour Change Wheel.•The intervention aimed to improve delivery of physical activity advice by nurses to cancer patients.•The intervention is suggested to be effective in changing practice towards delivery of physical activity advice.•The intervention is acceptable and practical to nurses.•Face-to-face delivery was preferred over online delivery.

ObjectivesTo examine the impact, acceptability, practicability and implementation of a training intervention, designed using the Behaviour Change Wheel, on the delivery of very brief advice on physical activity, by nurses to cancer patients.Study designA mixed methods feasibility study.MethodA purposeful sample of nurses (n = 62) were recruited across two delivery arms, face-to-face (n = 55) and online (n = 7). Frequency of delivery of physical activity advice was collected at baseline with follow-up at 12 weeks. The 'capability, opportunity and motivation' of nurses to deliver very brief advice was measured via questionnaire. Semi-structured phone interviews (n = 14) were completed and analyzed thematically. A cost consequence analysis was undertaken.ResultsThe intervention improved the 'capability, opportunity and motivation' of nurses resulting in a change in knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards physical activity. The intervention was both acceptable and practical.Face-to-face was the preferred mode of delivery, however there was also value in the online option. The cost of delivery per participant was £33.87 for face-to-face delivery, and £103.83 for online delivery inflated due to low recruitment numbers. A significant improvement was seen in delivery of very brief advice at 12 weeks (Z = −4.39, P ≤ 0.01).ConclusionThe intervention is acceptable, practical and improves delivery of very brief advice on physical activity by nurses to cancer patients in the short-term. Both face-to-face and online delivery should be considered.